You must have a water right to divert and use water in the State of Utah. Water well drillers are licensed and cannot drill a well unless permission to drill has been obtained from the State Engineer. more...

I understand I need to buy a water right. How do I go about it?

Water rights are classified as “real property” in the state of Utah and are bought and sold much like real estate. Many real estate agencies will have listings for water rights much as they do for properties. more...

How do I know if a water right I’m thinking about buying is a “good one”?

Some issues you should be particularly aware of when persuing the purchase of a water right are verification of ownership and water use. more...

The Utah Division of Water Rights (DWRi), led by the State Engineer - Kent L. Jones, P.E., is an agency of Utah State Government within the Department of Natural Resources that administers the appropriation and distribution of the State's valuable water resources.

The mission of the Division of Water Rights is to provideorder and certainty in the beneficial use of Utah's water.

Water Rights Certification

The Utah Division of Water Rights and the Rural Water Association of Utah would like to announce a new certification program, tailored for water professionals, focused on the intricacies of Utah’s water right’s laws and regulations.

This training will be held April 10 - 11, 2014 at theUtah Division of Water Rights office in Salt Lake City.Click for more information.

Office Hours

The Division of Water Rights office hours are from8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

We strongly recommend that you make an appointment if you need to come into the office for assistance.